Chemistry Program / Classes & Labs

A career in chemistry can be pursued either as a search to broaden the horizons of chemical knowledge, or it can be applied to providing the material needs of society. A major in chemistry with supporting work in zoology and biology has long been a program chosen by many students planning careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, and other health-related areas.

Most of the employment opportunities for chemists are in industry and in various independent and governmental laboratories. In most business-related jobs in the chemical industry, a chemistry degree is a useful first degree. The second degree could be the master of business administration or a law degree.

We offer a traditional Bachelor of Science degree with a major in chemistry and a minor in a second area (biology, mathematics, physics, geosciences, psychology, etc.) that provides an excellent background for students planning careers in medicine or one of the other health sciences, in the emerging field of environmental sciences, or in virtually any technically based area.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemistry curriculum, designed to follow the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the American Chemical Society for a professional degree program in chemistry at the undergraduate level and fully accredited by the ACS, allows students to concentrate their studies in chemistry and mathematics. It is recommended primarily for students with a career interest in chemistry or for students who plan to pursue graduate study in science. Both programs provide a balance between theory and laboratory experience. The department is well equipped with modern chemical instrumentation.

Beginning in the sophomore year, students have direct access to and obtain considerable first-hand experience in the use of all of the instrumentation within the department. Research participation by undergraduates is encouraged. These projects take place under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Most of our graduates in chemistry have chosen to find employment in the chemical industry or to continue formal education in graduate or medical schools.